How to Choose a Web Design Agency: 12 Questions to Ask

Most website projects that go wrong do so because of a mismatch that could have been spotted at the start: the agency was cheaper because it used a template, the price did not include content, or nobody agreed who owns the site. These 12 questions help you spot those problems before you sign.

About their work

1. Can I see live sites you have built?

Screenshots can be polished. Live sites show how the work actually performs. Click through them on your phone, try the forms and run them through Google PageSpeed Insights.

2. Have you worked with businesses like mine?

Industry experience is not essential, but an agency that has built for similar businesses will understand your customers faster.

3. Can I speak to a past client?

A confident agency will put you in touch with a client. Check their Google and Clutch reviews too.

About the process

4. Who will actually work on my project?

Find out whether the people you meet are the people who will design and build your site, or whether the work is passed on to someone else.

5. What is your process from brief to launch?

Look for clear stages, such as discovery, structure, design, build, testing and launch, with your approval at each step.

6. How will we communicate, and how often?

Agree a rhythm up front: weekly updates, a named contact and how quickly you can expect replies.

About what you are buying

7. Is the design custom or based on a template?

Either can be fine, but you should know which you are paying for.

8. Will I be able to edit the site myself?

Ask to see the CMS. Everyday updates such as text, images and blog posts should not need a developer.

9. What SEO is included at launch?

At a minimum: unique titles and descriptions, a sensible heading structure, an XML sitemap, Search Console set-up, structured data and fast page speed. If you are replacing an existing site, ask how they will protect your rankings. See how to redesign without losing your Google rankings.

About money and ownership

10. Is the price fixed, and what is not included?

Get a written quote. Check for content writing, photography, hosting, domain, extra revision rounds and post-launch support. Our guides to website costs in the UK and Australia list the usual extras.

11. Who owns the website when it is finished?

You should own your domain, content, design and code once the project is paid for. Get it in writing.

12. What happens after launch?

Websites need updates, fixes and improvements. Ask what support costs and how quickly they respond.

Red flags

• No live portfolio, or only screenshots
• A price far below everyone else with a vague scope
• Pressure to sign quickly
• Reluctance to agree ownership in writing
• Promises of "guaranteed first page on Google"

Frequently asked questions

Should I hire a local or remote web design agency?

Remote agencies can deliver the same quality, often for less. What matters is a clear process, good communication and a strong portfolio, not the postcode.

How many quotes should I get?

Three is usually enough to understand the market. Compare scope and inclusions, not just the headline price.

What should a web design contract include?

Scope, deliverables, timeline, payment milestones, revision rounds, ownership of the finished work, and what support looks like after launch.

Our answers

We are happy to answer every one of these. Our portfolio is all live client work, the same small senior team handles your project from first call to launch, and every site comes with a CMS and SEO built in. Get in touch and ask us anything.